I do not know much about the inner workings of a motorcycle. I'm really just do the cosmetic stuff and have never taken apart any portion of an engine. Here's my question: I assume the side covers on my gl1200 are valve covers, is that correct? I am wanting to paint these, paying attention to detail on the 1200 numbers. can i remove these covers? it appears as though there is some kind of rubber gasket, would i have to replace this if i remove the cover. Is it dry inside?You can cleary see I have no idea what i am doing here.thanks for your help.

made2care wrote:I do not know much about the inner workings of a motorcycle. I'm really just do the cosmetic stuff and have never taken apart any portion of an engine. Here's my question: I assume the side covers on my gl1200 are valve covers, is that correct? I am wanting to paint these, paying attention to detail on the 1200 numbers. can i remove these covers? it appears as though there is some kind of rubber gasket, would i have to replace this if i remove the cover. Is it dry inside?You can cleary see I have no idea what i am doing here.thanks for your help.

Those are valve covers, and they cover (believe it or not) the valves. You can remove them, there will be a small amount of oil that drains out, but not much. They are designed to be removed regularly in order to adjust the valves, so the gaskets are reusable - unless they are in really bad shape, you can reuse them. You will want to buy a torque wrench so that you can torque the bolts to the correct amount when you tighten them back into place.

made2care wrote:Is it true on the gl1200's you don't have to adjust the valves ?

Correct. They are hydraulic valves, which makes them self-adjusting. The block (and covers) are the same as the GL1100 though. The GL1200 exhaust valves need the collet centered, but that's relaly a one-time thing, it doesn't need to be done regularly like valve clearances.

You are not trying to put some lipstick on a pig now, are you? It is a GW after all, well it was. At least she has fine clothes, even if they are a bit tarty!

I have just purchased a torque wrench, half inch drive, for AU$22 (about US$20), with three sockets, and it seems to do the job. It was made in China, but it is to German specs, so hopefully it will last more than two uses.

Len in Kapunda

The world is not going to finish today, as it is already tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand, and other islands of foreign nations such as Guam and Samoa.